Outside the only entrance to the compound, men and teens in woodland-style army fatigues amass. A "Joint Special Operations Group" soldier throws a replica stun grenade through the broken window, producing a loud explosion. The 145 "troops" prepare to take one of the final "insurgent" holdouts.

It was all part of the first-ever military-simulation game held at Camp La Guardia — the 258-acre former New York City homeless shelter located in Chester.

More than 185 military enthusiasts came from the Northeast and beyond to participate on Saturday.

"If you don't like to bleed, this isn't for you," said John Lu, president of Operation Lion Claws Military Simulation Series, which holds organized events throughout the U.S.

"We take 'Call of Duty' and bring it to life," he said, referring to the popular computer/video military game.

Equipment such as the biodegradable BB projectiles don't pose any grave danger, but can chip teeth and leave bruises when fired from a short distance away, Lu said.

In this military simulation, a "casualty" occurs if a fighter is hit more than twice or is not aided by a medic within five minutes. Those who are "killed" must return to the "regeneration" station and wait several minutes before re-entering the game.

Jon Diiorio of Bergen County, N.J., had "died" some six times by 3:15 p.m. Saturday. An information technology consultant by day, Saturday was his first time at Lion Claws. "I enjoyed the atmosphere," Diiorio said. "I like the tactics-driven environment."

He reported to "JSOG leader" Master Sgt. Howard "Mad Max" Mullen, a 26-year veteran of the US Army. Mullen has been leading Lions Claw "troops" for 10 years. Mullen said the exercise teaches civilians how to work effectively with people from different backgrounds. According to the Lion Claws website, the games' emphasis is on teamwork, not war. "We're basically modern-day, special operations re-enactors," Mullen said.

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